In the dead magic zones such as the Mana Wastes, do magic items seize to function within such areas as well? For example, if someone is wearing a Belt of Giant Strength, do they lose that magical bonus while in the zone?

Put in Bay if you want to party and drink (though it may be early in the year for everything to be open), Kelley's if you want to drive around and hike. Kelley's has a small state park on it which is known for the glacial grooves. It's generally like $10 per person and $16 each way if you want to bring a car with you.

The Venus Project for anyone interested in more. Documentaries show many more designs here and here. They have a research center in Florida which has all of his models and uses his house designs which can be toured weekly.

I'm a bit disappointed that it's not an RP undertaking. I think it would be very fun to go around to towns to record events and sometimes receive bribes in order to spin the news in their favor a bit. The victors write history anyway.